Abstract: A reversible ratchet wrench has a housing containing a ratchet wheel and a reversing pawl unit which includes two pawls respectively connected by leaf springs to a pivotally mounted reversing cam, all in a unitary one-piece construction. The reversing pawl unit is pivotally movable by a reversing lever between first and second conditions, wherein the two pawls respectively engage the ratchet wheel for accommodating rotation thereof in opposite directions. The reversing lever has a cam follower which cammingly engages a cam surface on the housing to resiliently hold the reversing lever in the selected one of its two positions.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench having a handle through which a rotatable shaft extends. A bevel gear is coupled to one end of the shaft for rotation by the shaft about an input drive axis. A pair of concentrically aligned ring gears are coupled to the bevel gear for counter rotation of the ring gears, by the bevel gear, about an output drive axis perpendicular to the input drive axis. A drive member is mounted inside the ring gears for rotation about the output drive axis. A ratchet mechanism couples the ring gears to the drive member such that, for either direction of rotation of the bevel gear, one of the ring gears is coupled to the drive member and the other of the ring gears is decoupled from the drive member. The ring gears are further coupled to the bevel gear for unidirectional rotation of the ring gears about the output drive axis in response to pivotal movement of the handle about the output drive axis.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench is described which includes a cap-surmounted core having a rotatable body sleeved in a drive ring. A shiftable pawl intercouples the drive ring and the core for driving the core selectively in each of opposed annular driving modes. A shaft projecting axially from the core terminates in a stud for carrying a tool element. The wrench is characterized in that there is provided a washer-like locking plate having a central opening and positionable axially over the shaft of the core to overlie the body of the core. The plate is configured at its central opening for lockingly keying with the shaft releasably to couple the locking plate with the shaft and to secure the core in the drive ring.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench featuring a remote switch button located within the shank adjacent to the hand grip, for alternately changing the direction of ratcheting action upon successive actuation of the switch. The novelty resides in the uniqueness of the pawl shifting mechanism, and the pawl. The pawl has first and second toothed portions on one side, and transversely located on the other side is a second pawl camming surface having two inclined detent surfaces located beneath a first pawl camminig surface having specially contoured surfaces. The pawl shifting mechanism consisting of an actuator such as a leaf spring, a slide switch, button return spring, and a pawl detent, operate to engage the pawl's first and second camming surfaces, for positioning the pawl's toothed portions into contact with the ratchet gear at any one of two opposite positions.

Abstract: A press-in reversing knob for a ratchet wrench which has a self-contained retaining means. The reversing knob includes a generally cylindrical member having an annular flange at its upper end and resilient inwardly-deformable projections extending radially outward from its lower end. A cylindrical bore formed in the plug includes a coaxial annular retaining groove spaced downwardly from the top of the bore. As the reversing knob is pressed into the bore, the resilient projection is deformed inwardly by the walls of the bore until the projection engages the retaining groove and springs outwardly. The retaining groove retains the projection to prevent the reversing knob from becoming upwardly disengaged from the bore while accommodating rotational movement of the projection as the reversing knob is turned.

Abstract: A pin assembly for securing a tool socket in place and for effecting quick release of the tool socket from a socket engagement tang or boss of a ratchet drive wrench. The mechanical structure is specially adapted for use in a ratchet drive wrench of the type in which the drive direction is conveniently changed by simply applying digital pressure to a pivotally-supported toggle element projecting upwardly of the head of the wrench. A wrench of the type referred to is described in K. K. Chow, U.S. Pat. No. 4,280,379.

Abstract: A reversible ratchet wrench comprising an elongated housing whose head portion encloses a ratchet wheel and a pawl. The orientation of the pawl determines one of two driving directions of the ratchet wheel, to which is connected a square driving member. An elongated groove containing a control device and an arcuate spring strip is provided on the upper surface of the housing. The front end of the arcuate spring strip contacts with one lateral side of the pawl, and the rear end of the spring strip is retained by the control device. The control device comprises a control switch which is controlled by the thumb or other fingers of the hand grasping the wrench, with a fixing spring assembly enabling the control switch to be fixed in place. An upper cover plate and a lower cover plate enclose the elongated housing of the ratchet wrench.

Abstract: A ratchet handle for use with socket wrenches includes a socket engaging projection on which socket wrenches having a first size of coupling socket can be mounted for turning by the handle. The handle includes a bar slidable within the projection and movable from a position within the projection to a second position with its end extending axially beyond the projection. Socket wrenches having a second and smaller size of coupling socket are mounted on the handle by engagement with the extended end of the bar. The bar is retained in either of two positions by spring pressed balls or detents which engage two shallow recesses in the projection in one position and in the extended position of the bar one of the detents lies outside the projection in position to engage a socket coupling mounted thereon. In another embodiment the bar is biased by a compression spring to its position within the projection and a cam on the bar urges a detent outwardly to retain the larger socket on the projection.

Abstract: A reversible ratchet wrench (10) includes a wrench body (11) having a unitary head (12) including an opening (20) with circular driver and pawl portions (22,24). A driver (26) has a ratchet portion (28) received within the driver portion (22) of the opening and includes ratchet teeth (30) that extend between oppositely facing surfaces (16,18) of the wrench head (12). A pawl (38) is received within the pawl portion (24) of the opening (20) and includes teeth (40a, 40b) that extend between the wrench head surfaces (16,18) and provide continuous engagement therebetween for selective locking of the driver in one direction and ratcheting in the other direction. Driver and pawl portions (22, 24) of the wrench head opening (20) have cylindrical shapes which facilitate manufacturing and the support of both the driver and the pawl upon assembling. A ball (34) of a releasable detent mechanism (35) is provided to secure a socket to a driving lug (32) of the driver (26).

Abstract: An open-ended ratchet wrench characterized by arcuate fixed and pivoting jaw segments which receive round socket inserts of various design for achieving various drive functions. Typical inserts are box-end, socket drive and open-end inserts and the ratcheting function is adjusted for clockwise and counterclockwise operation by rotating the handle to manipulate a pair of pawls located in the fixed jaw segment. Removal and insertion of the inserts is achieved by manipulating a slide provided in cooperation with the handle to pivot the pivoting jaw segment with respect to the fixed jaw segment.

Abstract: An improved ratcheting tool has a driven shank rotatably supported fore and aft in the ratchet housing. A reduced-diameter rearwardly-extending portion of the driven shank passes through a central recess in a pivotable cam shifter and is rotatably piloted in a closed cylindrical recess. This recess is formed in the ratchet housing rearwardly of a blind axial bore within which the driven shank is disposed. An intermediate portion of the driven shank is rotatably journaled in the inner annular bearing surface of a collar; and the collar is press-fitted within a counterbore forwardly of a ratchet on the driven shank, thereby retaining the driven shank in the ratchet housing.

Abstract: A handle member having at least one circular opening proximate an end, and having a ratchet pawl engageable proximate the opening, and having a spring biased finger engageable into and out of the opening, with mechanical linkage for disengaging the ratchet pawl when the finger is disengaged from the opening, and including a plurality of tools having a generally cylindrical construction for insertion into the opening, each tool having a circumferential stop thereabout for engagement by the finger, and having circumferential ratchet teeth engageable by the ratchet pawl, whereby engagement of the finger against the circumferential stop holds the tool in the handle and permits ratcheting wrench action, and disengagement of the finger from the stop also disengages the ratchet pawl and permits the tool to be released from the handle opening.

Abstract: A new improved push button reversible ratchet wrench completely operable by one hand having the push button improvement operably attached to a double-ended pivotal pawl engaging the ratchet wheel having the square shaped stud adapted to receive a socket. The improvement includes a cam connected at one end to the push button located transversely through the shank of the wrench mid-section. The other end of the cam is pivotally attached to an extension control rod which in turn attaches to the double-ended pawl which engages the ratchet wheel. The push button is operated simultaneously with grasping of the handle of the reversible wrench by the operator whereby manipulation of one hand, the direction in which the wrench will ratchet may be selected, or reversed or central neutral position where the pawl does not engage the ratchet wheel, may be chosen in accordance with the needs of the mechanic.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench in which the mechanism determining the operative mode is remotely controlled from the grip, or handle end of the wrench. A rod, supported for reciprocating translation along the shank of the wrench, is pivotally interconnected to a radial portion of the reverse control knob of a conventional ratchet. The rod extends to the handle end of the wrench, where it is terminated by a tab, readily manipulated by the thumb of the user. Through appropriate fore and aft movement of the convenient tab, one-handed control of the rotation and operative action of the wrench is afforded.

Abstract: A low profile ratchet wrench which includes a handle, a housing shaped in one end of the handle, a ratchet drum rotatably mounted in the housing and provided with external teeth and a recessed tang drive, and a ratchet mechanism positioned in the housing and selectively engaging the drum teeth to facilitate rotation of the ratchet drum in either the clockwise or counter-clockwise direction responsive to rotation of the handle.

Abstract: A slip-on ratcheting drive assembly for a fastener driver, particularly a screwdriver, is adaptable for use with most common screwdrivers, and is versatile. The ratcheting drive assembly is simply moved into operative association with a conventional screwdriver handle. Typically the ratcheting drive assembly includes an outer housing, a socket received within the outer housing and rotatable with respect to it, and a ratchet structure cooperating between the socket and housing to allow ratcheting rotation of the socket with respect to the housing. The socket is held in place within the housing by a releasable locking lever, and at the end of the socket opposite its open end a polygon shaped drive projection is provided.

Abstract: A ratcheting tool has a handle mounted on a ratchet housing. The ratchet housing has a blind axial bore formed therein. A driven shank has a rearward portion nested partially in the bore, and a ratchet is formed externally on the rearward portion of the shank. A cam is seated in the bore, rearwardly of the ratchet, and is pivotable substantially about the axis of the bore. The cam has a bore formed therein, and a thrust ball is seated in the cam bore axially between the bottom of the blind axial bore in the ratchet housing and the rearward portion of the shank, thereby accommodating axial thrust loads on the tool. A selector pin is carried by the cam and extends radially therefrom through an arcuate slot in the ratchet housing. A pair of L-shaped pawls are alternately actuated by the cam. The pawls have respective leg portions extending forwardly to engage the ratchet, thereby alternately keying the ratchet to the ratchet housing.

Abstract: An improved socket wrench (10) is provided which has an aperture (48) extending entirely through the drive portion of the wrench to permit the wrench to be used on spark plugs or deep set bolts or nuts without the need for an extension or long sockets. The socket wrench (10) includes a head (22) with an aperture (26) therethrough having ratchet teeth (30) thereon. A drive member (32) is mounted for rotation relative to the head and defines a slide surface (50) facing the ratchet teeth on the head. A pawl (54) is positioned between the slide surface and head with the pawl having two sets of ratchet teeth (58, 60). Each set of ratchet teeth on the pawl is engagable with the ratchet teeth on the head dependent upon the position of a resilient spring (85) moving in a curvilinear notch (67). A quick release mechanism is provided which includes a cylindrical portion (132) with depending resilient legs (134).

Abstract: In a ratchet wrench of the type having a head which is manually rotatably shiftable for reversing the driving direction or torque-transmitting mode of a socket carried by the wrench and in which the head is also manually depressible to effect release of a socket carried by a drive stud of the wrench, an improved control bar or lever for rotating the head of the wrench to effect socket drive reversal. The control bar surmounts and is attached to the head for pivotal manipulation thereof. An integral end portion of the control bar extends radially beyond a bounding periphery of the head to provide increased torque forces and enhanced ease of manual annular shifting of the head and of the socket drive direction control components coupled thereof. A free end of the control bar is spaced from the wrench to permit depressing the head manually to effect the release of a wrench-carried drive socket.

Abstract: A friction mechanism and a fixture-securing and releasing mechanism, disclosed in the context of a stepless, free-wheeling wrench with thumb-actuated reverse mechanism, speed-wheel, and socket release. The wrench includes a driving member in the form of a wrench head. Mounted for relative rotational movement within a cavity provided in the head is a driven member in the form of a friction wheel assembly which terminates in a drive tang for releasably receiving a hollow socket member. The wrench also includes a speed-wheel forming part of the friction wheel assembly. The speed-wheel is conveniently located on the side of the wrench opposite to that of the drive tang. Concentric with the speed-wheel is a plunger, which together with a disc located in the drive tang, forms a part of a quick release mechanism that allows a socket to be simply pushed into position with relatively low force, while requiring relatively high force to pull the socket off the tang prior to pushing a release button.

Abstract: A reversible ratchet wrench (10) includes a wrench body (11) having a unitary head (12) including an opening (20) with circular driver and pawl portions (22,24). A driver (26) has a ratchet portion (28) received within the driver portion (22) of the opening and includes ratchet teeth (30) that extend between oppositely facing planar surfaces (16,18) of the wrench head (12). A pawl (38) is received within the pawl portion (24) of the opening (20) and includes teeth (40a,40b) that extend between the planar wrench head surfaces (16,18) and provide continuous uninterrupted engagement therebetween for selective locking of the driver in one direction and ratcheting in the other direction. Driver and pawl portions (22, 24) of the wrench head opening (20) have cylindrical shapes which facilitate manufacturing and the support of both the driver and the pawl upon assembling.

Abstract: A ratchet handle for a hand tool employs pairs of opposing pawls which are biased by a spring and selectively engage teeth at the interior of a cylindrical structure to provide for a three direction mode ratchet drive. A shifter engageable at one of three positions has ears which selectively interact with the pawls. In one embodiment three pairs of opposing pawls are biased by a garter spring. Another embodiment employs an integral serpentine spring/pawl assembly.

Abstract: A driver tool utilizing a sleeve which fits within and rotates with an elongated shaft. Driving bits are held to the sleeve and turned by the action of the rotating shaft. A handle which is expandable connects to the elongated shaft.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, gear drive mechanism includes a non-driving space in reversing direction of rotation of the handle of ratchet wrench, within that interval providing for handle engagement with a toggle-type switch for reversing ratcheting direction, handle engagement of ratcheting mechanism being by way of a handle twistable out of alignment with mounting structure of the handle portion of the wrench such that non-circular circumscribing inside wall surfaces of the handle as viewed in transverse cross-section, engages and wedges a roller against the rounded surface of the drive shaft whereby while the roller is wedged, reverse direction turning of the handle causes the drive shaft to turn to thereby flip the toggle-like switch mechanism reversing the ratcheting direction of the ratchet wrench.

Abstract: A new improved reversible ratchet wrench completely operable by one hand having the improvement operably attached to one side of the double-ended pivotable pawl engaging the ratchet wheel attached to the square shaped stud adapted to receive a socket, the improvement comprising an extension rod slidably situated along the mid-section of the reversible wrench pivotally connected at one end to the double-ended pawl, the extension rod other end terminating in a thumb control button, said thumb control button operable simultaneously with the operator's hand grasping the handle of the reversible wrench. By manipulation of one hand, the direction in which the wrench will ratchet in may be selected or reversed, or a central neutral position where the pawl does not engage the ratchet wheel may be chosen whereupon the ratchet wrench is completely free of engagement of the socket.

Abstract: A pawl and ratchet assembly for use in socket drive wrenches or the like which includes a pair of arcuate pawls that encircle a ratchet gear means. A single control is provided for positioning the pawls so that either of the pawls can individually engage the ratchet gear means to provide clockwise and counterclockwise ratcheting, both of the pawls can engage the ratchet gear means to provide a lockup mode and so that both of the pawls can be disengaged from the ratchet gear means to permit a freewheeling mode. In one embodiment, the pawl control means is mounted on the handle of the socket drive wrench to enhance its accessibility in confined areas of use.

Abstract: The specification discloses a fast-acting ratchet wrench (10) which operates in a fast-acting mode of operation and a normal mode of operation. Wrench (10) includes a grip (16) rotatably mounted on one end of a handle (12) with a wrench head (14) disposed on the other end thereof. A rod (74) is attached to the grip (16) and extends through the handle (12) and into the wrench head (14). A drive gear (50) is mounted on the rod (74) within the wrench head (14), and constantly engages teeth (130) on a drive wheel (26). A drive stud (18) is mounted on the wheel (26). A pin (76) is fixedly mounted extending through the rod (74) at a position proximate to the drive gear (50). The wrench (10) is placed in the fast-acting mode of operation by pulling the grip (16) and rod (74) in a direction away from the wrench head (14) to move the pin (76) into slots (66 and 70) or (68 and 72) in the gear (50).

Abstract: This invention pertains to ratchet mechanisms, and has particular application to ratchet wrenches of the type employing removable sockets for engagement with a stud having a ball detent for holding the sockets thereto during wrench operation. The novelty of the invention resides in the use of a push-button selector for alternately effecting the reversing action of the ratchet mechanism in conjunction with a push-button device for releasing the sockets from the stud.

Abstract: A push-button operated reversible socket wrench ratchet and pawl mechanism which includes in addition to the conventional ratchet wheel and pivotably mounted pawl, an actuator and two cams; the actuator is driven by the cams to engage the pawl and ratchet and determine the direction of rotation of the wheel.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench which includes a pawl disposed to engage a ratchet gear carrying a drive member formed as a square shank, the pawl being selectively movable by a control rod carried in the midportion of the wrench and terminating close to its handle grasping portion and subject to digital manipulation from a grasping hand there in place. The pawl, as moved by the control rod, may be engaged with the ratchet gear to provide either clockwise or counterclockwise torque on the gear and its drive member or disengaged from the ratchet gear altogether to leave that gear and its drive member in a neutral, free-wheeling condition.

Abstract: A ratchet handle includes a composite ratchet gear having a passageway therethrough and an inner sleeve within an enlarged portion of the passageway. The passageway has a smaller flat-sided portion forming a tool holding aperture aligned with an internal tool holding aperture in the inner sleeve. A tool holding washer is captured between the inner sleeve and the ratchet gear. Improved positive control apparatus includes a slider control device moving yieldable detents formed by yieldable convoluted plate and projections on a stationary cover plate.

Abstract: In a ratchet tool having a toothed driving, a complementary coaxial, generally cylindrical rotatable toothed core within the ring, and a core-carried pivotal toothed double-ended pawl secured within the core and selectively positionable to intercouple the driving ring with the core for positively driving a core-carried tool element in each of two opposite torque-transmitting modes, improved means for pivotally shifting the pawl to a selectable mode of torque-transmitting core rotation, the improvement comprising finger actuable pawl-shifting means responsive to finger pressure applied along a vector which includes a force component directed axially into the core to effect, through intercoupling linkage, pivotal radial shifting of the pawl, alternately, between first and second driving-ring-engaging operational positions, and in which the pawl shifting means is conveniently manipulable with the same hand used to hold and to operate the tool.

Abstract: A reversible ratchet wrench handle in which the actuator for the direction reversing mechanism is located close to the portion of the handle that is grasped by the user. This permits the user to operate the actuator with the thumb of the hand holding the handle whereby changing the direction of operation of the wrench is a one handed rather than a two handed operation. Locating the actuator near the hand grip portion of the handle also removes it from the head of the handle, the usual location, and this allows the head to be made thinner for better access to narrow places. The actuator for the direction reversing mechanism is a switch button that is movable back and forth axially of the wrench handle and this kind of movement insures more positive action.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench attached to an offset vertically elongated handle with the control for operating the ratchet on the upper extremity of the handle. This wrench finds important use in loosening and tightening the clamp nut of a distributor when adjusting the timing on an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a hand wrench handle includes on an end thereof a socket-mounting passage-forming structure having mounted therein a revolvable socket of cylindrical shape shiftable axially along a longitudinal axis of the cylindrically-shaped socket between alternate first and second positions, in a first position circumscribing teeth being engaged with a first ratchet key locking against movement in one of clockwise and counter-clockwise directions, and in a second position circumscribing other teeth being engaged with a second ratchet key locking against movement in a remaining other one of clockwise and counter-clockwise directions, with the socket being intermittently secured in one or the other of the alternate positions and shiftable therebetween by a mounted biasing spring mounted on the socket-mounting passage-forming structure pressing a ball into alternate parallel circumscribing grooves on the outer wall of the socket.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench of the socket drive type has an improved ratchet pawl configuration which significantly reduces excessive wear and various attendant problems and also obviates the problem of accidental wrench disassembly. Improved structure also provides certain further advantages.

Abstract: A socket wrench of improved design which not only provides for interchangeability but also for easy removal of the socket member. The ratchet and socket openings are provided in separate annular coaxial members. The ratchet wheel is adapted to loosely receive a removable socket insert. The periphery of the ratchet wheel is provided with a plurality of ball bearings which are mounted in openings which face inwardly toward the socket insert. The socket insert is provided with receiving structure for the ball bearings. A spring wraps around a portion of the periphery of the ratchet wheel and normally biases the ball bearings into locking engagement with the socket insert. The spring is provided with a portion spaced from the ratchet wheel which is actuatable to release the spring tension on the ball bearings, thus permitting the socket insert to freely drop out of the ratchet wheel.

Abstract: This invention is a spring tensioning device for applying proper tension to springs utilized widely in garage doors, and the like. The device consists of a collar which can be slipped over a rod around which such spring is wound, which device is fitted with a pair of ratcheting mechanisms and a device to hold the same in place while the ratchets are used. Additionally, the apparatus has boss means for hooking into the spring collar for applying the correct tension through the use of the ratcheting arrangement. Additionally, the apparatus has means for attaching to a collar fastened to one end of the spring in order to turn the collar and, thus, the spring through the use of the ratcheting mechanism.

Abstract: A combined ratchet and torsion wrench which in the preferred embodiment includes a drop-in drive mechanism which is a separate, integral subassembly which can be dropped into a housing in the wrench head and a push-pull operable torsion shaft positioning mechanism slidable between shaft positions of engagement with and disengagement from the drive mechanism.

Abstract: A screwdriver including a relatively large teardrop-shaped, hollow handle, comfortable to the hand for delivering increased turning power, is provided with a self-contained ratchet mechanism which, in turn, has a three-position ratchet control (forward, reverse and lock). The shank of the screwdriver houses a magnet for releasably holding any one of a number of bits in place during use. The handle has a series of finger-engageable projections on its stem to assist the operator in applying torque and for storage of bits therein. A retainer ring on the stem holds the bits in the chambers until indexed to a bit-releasing position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a unique ratcheting wrench which features an internal assembly which permits two modes of ratcheting. One mode of ratcheting is the conventional ratcheting made wherein the wrench bar is swung back and forth in a plane substantially perpendicular to the center axis of the nut or bolt being tightened. The other mode of ratcheting made possible by the assembly is ratcheting by rotating the handle of the wrench in a plane perpendicular to the plane of rotation of the nut or bolt to be tightened.